Athena Preamplfier

by Rogue Audio
in Electronics

Based on their flagship Hera preamplifier, the Athena offers reference level performance in a more compact single box design. The Athena uses four 6H30P tubes in a mu-follower configuration to provide outstanding detail and dynamics. A seperate power supply which can be tucked behind your system provides power to the enormous power supplies located in the main chassis.

Like the Hera, every aspect of the Athena design is aimed at maintaining near perfect signal integrity. To that end, Ropgue has designed a stepped attenuator that uses purely resistive elements to derive more than 120 individual volume steps. The switch itself is proprietary and manufactured in Switzerland specifically for Rogue Audio. A miniature slipper clutch (much like those used in racing vehicles) connects the massive attenuator to a motor that can then be remotely controlled. All functional switching is done via heavy duty silver switches rather than being routed through a silicon chip. Capacitors, resistors and all other critical parts are of the highest quality as well. The chassis itself is a fully machined work of industrial art that provides the mechanical and electrical isolation necessary for the incredibly low noise floor of the Athena. The ultra-sophisticated design also includes a phase invert button, balance bypass, processor loop, unity gain bypass and a host of other features. Rogue's design goal was to closely approach the performance of the Hera in a more compact single box design - They think you will be very happy with the results.